Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Japan’s foreign policy towards Cuba. Today, Chief Representative Yamaguchi of Komeito left for his visit to Latin American countries. He told the press that he was entrusted with letters from the Prime Minister to the government of each country, including Cuba. I understand that a visit to Cuba by the Prime Minister is being considered. Can you please tell us the status of the arrangements and what the letters say?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we understand that Chief Representative Yamaguchi of Komeito will be making an official Komeito visit to Panama, Colombia, and Cuba from today to September 8. Chief Representative Yamaguchi has with him, letters from Prime Minister Abe to the leader of each country. Due to the nature of the letters, I would like to refrain from responding about their content. As for the Prime Minister’s visit to Cuba, there is no truth to what you referred to.

REPORTER: After the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations last year, we have witnessed relations improve between various countries and Cuba. In which areas does the Japanese Government hope to enhance its partnership with Cuba?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: From Japan too the Minister for Foreign Affairs was one of the first to visit Cuba. I believe Japan and Cuba have been able to develop a variety of economic, tourism, and other measures.

REPORTER: I have a question related to diplomacy but concerning a different matter. This weekend, the G20 Summit will be held in China, and I gather that Prime Minister Abe’s attendance of the summit is being arranged. The Prime Minister was the Chair of this year’s G7 Summit. In this connection, if the Prime Minister attends the G20 Summit, what discussions do you expect will take place, including at the bilateral meetings on the margins of the Summit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, we are currently in the process of arranging the Prime Minister’s attendance of the G20 Hangzhou Summit. Generally speaking, at the Summit, I anticipate that discussions will take place towards the G20’s concrete actions to deal with the variety of downside risks facing the global economy and realize the sustainable growth of the world economy.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Some media reported that the Government is arranging a meeting with the new Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom. I imagine it is one of the various bilateral meetings being considered. What is the current status of the arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The bilateral meetings are currently being arranged and have not been decided yet.